Sustainability, natural capital, engineering, and geology: a case study of Coles County, IL, USA

If sustainable development planning for Coles County, IL, USA, had been done in 1830, planners would not have been able to predict changing technology allowing more efficient use of existing natural capital. Planning for sustainability should include the geology, current and historic uses of natural capital, and consideration of changing population and technology. Coles County has glacial and alluvial deposits underlain by bedrock of the Illinois Basin. Discussion with local experts and inspection of current and historic records determined the current and historic use of natural capital of Coles County. Land initially attracted humans to water and fertile soil supporting plants and animals. Fertile soil and water continue to support agricultural activity today. The two largest communities rely on surface water for water supply. Sand, gravel, and limestone are quarried. Coal has been mined in the past. Petroleum drilling is on the third pass as technology and demand have changed. Technologic changes have allowed the county to develop new and more efficient ways of using natural capital leading to continued use of resources in the county.